Today's obituaries
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Norma Lou Homer
GC woman was SRHS grad, member of MS Club
Norma Lou Homer, Grove City, died at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 60.
Born Nov. 27, 1941, in Forrest Hills, Pa., Norma was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Ruby Mae Law Homer.
She was a 1960 graduate of Slippery Rock High School and a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Club of Butler.
Surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. Joseph (Kimberlee) Matthews, Grove City; two grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Gene (Virginia) Savolskis, Mercer; two brothers, E. Kenneth Homer, Virginia Beach, Va.; and Gary R. Homer, Mason, Ohio.
Besides her parents, Norma was preceded in death by one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Club of Butler, 502è W. Jefferson St., Butler, Pa. 16001.
HOMER
Norma Lou, 60, Grove City.
Calling hours: None.
Service: Memorial service at 7 p.m. Thursday (8-1-02) FICCA FUNERAL HOME, 203 E. Pine St., Grove City, with Marla B. Bauler, chaplain of Trinity Living Center, Grove City, officiating.
Interment: Slippery Rock (Township) Cemetery.
Arrangements by WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME Inc., 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.
Jessica Ann Myers
Florida woman survived
by grandparents here
ATLANTIS, Fla. -- Jessica Ann Myers, Lantana, Fla., formerly of Camp Hill, Pa., died at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2002, in JFK Medical Center following a brief illness. She was 22 years old.
Born in Greenville, Ms. Myers was a resident of the Palm Beach area of Florida since 1998 and a member of St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church, West Palm Beach.
Jess graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, Class of 1998, where she was a cheerleader. She later attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla.
She was employed in the pharmacy at Costco Wholesale Inc. in Lantana and was an avid fisherwoman.
Ms. Myers loved to collect Sesame Street Elmos.
She is survived by: her parents, John and Ruth Myers, New Cumberland, Pa.; her fiancé, Juan A. Carreon, Lantana; and her brother, Joshua Myers, also New Cumberland. Additional survivors include her maternal grandmother, Doris Oberman, Lake Worth, Fla.; her paternal grandparents, Roy and Peggy Myers, Greenville; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jessica's memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, 4360 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach, Fla. 33410.
MYERS
Jessica Ann, 22, Lantana, Fla., formerly of Camp Hill, Pa.
Calling hours: 5:30 p.m. to time of service Wednesday (7-31-02) in St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1317 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33406.
Service: Funeral service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the church, with the Rev. James Barkett, pastor, officiating. Trisagion service at 10 a.m. Thursday (8-1-02) in the church prior to interment.
Interment: Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach, Fla.
Arrangements by QUATTLEBAUM-HOLLEMAN-BURSE FUNERAL HOME, 1201 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, Fla.
Jasmine Marie DeFazio
Florida college student hoped to continue missionary work
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Jasmine Marie DeFazio, Ocala, Fla., died at 8:42 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2002, in Shands Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 21.
Miss DeFazio was born Sept. 17, 1980, in Orlando, Fla., to James and Carol Crisan DeFazio.
A college student, she resided in Ocala since 1987.
Jasmine was designated a member of the Honors Program at Central Florida Community College, where she remained on the dean's list.
Her heart was to continue to do missionary work as she once did in Haiti.
Jasmine was a member of Ocala Word of Faith Church.
Surviving are: her parents; and two brothers, Joseph DeFazio and Gabriel DeFazio, all Ocala; four uncles and their spouses, Bill and Deanna Crisan, Indianapolis, David and Donna Crisan, Brookfield, Gary and Stacia Crisan, Hubbard, James and Veronica Crisan, Warren, Ohio; five aunts, MaryAnn Paul, Transfer, Kay Crisan, Brookfield, Pat DeFazio, Hermitage, Josephine and her husband Len Viselli, Hubbard, Patricia and her husband Phil Keryan, Hermitage; 12 cousins, Cory and Lauren Crisan, Thomas Crisan, Kristen Paul, Hillary and Hanna Crisan, Nicole, Megan and Kevin Powell, Felicia, Brandon and Ethan Keryan.
DeFAZIO
Jasmine Marie, 21, Ocala, Fla.
Service: Memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday (8-2-02) in First Assembly of God, Hermitage. Fellowship and dinner will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Arrangements by WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOMES, member of The Order of the Golden Rule, 404 N. Main St., Gainesville.
Genevieve Eardina Davis
Sharon Westinghouse retiree was native of Jamestown
Genevieve Eardina Davis, O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury, formerly of Burghill, passed away on 11:02 a.m. Monday (7-29-02) in the nursing home. She was 85.
Mrs. Davis was born Aug. 5, 1916, in Jamestown the daughter of Paul and Lillian Lane Bates
She attended Sharon schools and later worked for the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. for 46è years, retiring in 1987.
Mrs. Davis belonged to First United Methodist Church, Sharon.
She was a former member of Sharon Westinghouse Retirees Association.
Her husband, Craydene H. Davis, whom she married July 21, 1961, passed away Nov. 28, 1992.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Frances Novak.
DAVIS
Mrs. Craydene H. (Genevieve Eardina), 85, O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury, formerly of Burghill.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday (7-31-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Noon Wednesday in the funeral home's chapel.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Sharon.
William F. Mansell
Notre Dame member retired from Sharon Westinghouse
A funeral Mass will be Thursday (8-1-02) for William F. Mansell, 3515 Pheasant Chase in Hermitage, formerly of Alcoma Street in Sharon. He passed away unexpectedly at 6 p.m. Sunday (7-28-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 73.
Mr. Mansell was born Sept. 9, 1928, in Sharon the son of John F. and Olympia Chotlos Mansell.
He was an alumnus of Sharon High School.
He worked for the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he worked in many capacities for 39 years, retiring as a quality assurance inspector in 1985.
Mr. Mansell was a former member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon; and he currently is a member of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.
He was an avid reader and he especially enjoyed Civil War history.
Mr. Mansell's greatest joy was his family as he watched them achieve in both academics and sports, and he was a great supporter of Sharon Area school athletics.
His wife, the former Margaret Gula, whom he married Aug. 12, 1948, survives at home.
Also surviving are his daughter, Saundra L. Grandes of Fairfax, Va.; and three sons, William F. Mansell and his wife, Alice, of York, Pa.; Dr. Robert J. Mansell and his wife, Teresa of Philadelphia; and Jack F. Mansell and his wife, Jordan of Atlanta. He leaves eight grandchildren, Yasmina El-Mesiery; and Elizabeth J., Stephen T., Harris J., Patrick R., Robert C.W., Eve H. and John R. Mansell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John R. "Bob" and Paul T. "Terry" Mansell.
MANSELL
William F., 73, of 3515 Pheasant Chase, Hermitage, formerly of Alcoma Street, Sharon.
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-1-02) in Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jason A. Glover, parochial vicar, as celebrant. A procession will leave the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. for the church.
Entombment: St. Rose's Mausoleum in St. Rose's Cemetery, Hermitage.
Gary L. Klingensmith Sr.
Former truck driver
was Air Force veteran
Funeral and committal services will be held Thursday for Gary L. Klingensmith Sr. of 417 Russell St., Sharon. He passed away unexpectedly at 11:50 a.m. Sunday, July 28, 2002, in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after being stricken with an apparent heart attack at home. He was 50.
Mr. Klingensmith was born July 18, 1952, in Sharon.
He was a 1969 graduate of West Middlesex High School and had been employed for seven years as a truck driver for PI & I Motor Express, Masury.
He attended the former Free Methodist Church in Sharon and Sharon Baptist Church, Hermitage.
An Air Force veteran, he served during the Vietnam era.
Mr. Klingensmith was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and motorcycling. He loved to watch movies, particularly science fiction films.
He was a very devoted father and husband who loved to spend time with his family.
Survivors include: his wife, the former Deborah Smith, whom he married Feb. 26, 1987; two daughters, Mrs. John (Barbara K.) Miller, Hermitage; and Rebecca L. Klingensmith, at home; three sons, Gary L. Klingensmith, Sharon; Michael A. Klingensmith and his wife Megan, formerly of Sharon; and David D. Klingensmith, at home; two sisters, Cindy and Kimberly; three brothers, Bill Klingensmith, Strattanville, Pa.; Keith Klingensmith, Hubbard; and Kirk Klingensmith, Masury; and a granddaughter, Makeena Reed Miller.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Kevin Klingensmith.
KLINGENSMITH
Gary L. Sr., 50, of 417 Russell St., Sharon.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral and committal services at noon Thursday (8-1-02) in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. John A. Frey, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, Hermitage, officiating. Military honors accorded after the service in the funeral home by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, West Middlesex, and American Legion Post 432, Wheatland.
Interment: West Side Cemetery, South Pymatuning Township.
Laura Whitman
Farrell woman was active in Pentecostal House of Prayer
A funeral service will be held Wednesday for Laura Whitman, 601 Spearman Ave., Farrell. She died at 3:15 a.m. Sunday, July 28, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 51.
Mrs. Whitman was born April 17, 1951, in Laurel, Miss., to Edward and Mattie Roberts Woodard.
She was a high school graduate and earned an associate's degree from Empire State College in Buffalo, N.Y., which she attended for three years in pursuit of a bachelor's degree.
Mrs. Whitman was employed by Primary Health Network for 15 years, where she was a human resource manager.
As a member of Pentecostal House of Prayer in Farrell, she served as church secretary; was a missionary; an armor bearer for the co-pastor; was a former Sunday school teacher; and belonged to the church choir. Mrs. Whitman was also a founder of the Sister, Sister organization and served as a church trustee.
Her husband, Wronie Whitman, whom she married Dec. 25, 1970, survives at home.
Also surviving are: one son, Brian C. Whitman Sr. and his wife Danielle, Farrell; four daughters, Mrs. Derek (LaRonda) Nix, Masury; Kimberly A. Whitman, El Paso, Texas; Kelly D. Whitman, Buffalo, N.Y.; and Lekeisha Whitman, at home; her parents, Erie; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Patricia Newby, Erie; Mrs. Ricky (Sandra) Jefferies, Burlington, N.C.; and Doresa Thompson, Greensboro, N.C.; six brothers, the Rev. Earl Woodard and his wife Linda; Terry Woodard and his wife Lois; and Shawn Woodard, all Erie; Wilson Woodard, Ontario, Canada; Rocco Woodard and his wife Lisa, Seneca, S.C.; and Mark Woodard, Burlington; a niece and nephew, respectively, Mary Ann Haynes and Otis Haynes, whom she reared, Picayune, Miss.; a godsister, Mozella Hunter, Erie; and a host of nieces and nephews.
WHITMAN
Mrs. Wronie (Laura), 51, of 601 Spearman Ave., Farrell.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. with family present from 11 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (7-31-02) in Pentecostal House of Prayer, 725 Fruit Ave., Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at noon Wednesday in the church, with the Rev. Keith Banks, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Arrangements by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES, 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.
Howard C. Schwarz
Korean War vet was retired conductor for Conrail
Howard C. Schwarz, West Middlesex, died Sunday, July 28, 2002, in his home. He was 68.
Born July 15, 1934 in Aliquippa, he was a son of the late Raymond Jacob and Hazel Obenrader Schwarz.
He was a retired conductor for Conrail and a member of American Legion, Baden, Pa., and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, West Middlesex.
A Korean conflict veteran, he served as a hospital orderly in the Air Force.
Howard is survived by: two brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond Schwarz Jr. and his wife Carol Schwarz, Industry, Pa.; and Russell and Linda Schwarz, Vanport, Pa.; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Shirley Stienmiller, Vanport; Betty Short; and Donna and her husband Norman Jones, all Hopewell; and Lois Olson, Hubbard. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Mr. Schwarz's memory to a charity of the donor's choice.
SCHWARZ
Howard C., 68, West Middlesex.
Calling hours: None.
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Chapel, Daugherty Township, Beaver County, with the Rev. Paul Savage, chaplain of Friendship Ridge, Brighton Township, Beaver County, officiating.
Interment: Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. Beaver County Veterans' Special Unit will render full military honors with assembly at 1:45 p.m.
Arrangements by SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1901 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls.
Samuel W. Dickson Jr.
Lakeview grad, Air Force vet retired from state prison
Samuel W. Dickson Jr. of 541 Stone Base Road, East Lackawannock Township, died at 6:05 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a brief illness. He was 49.
Mr. Dickson was born May 6, 1953, in Mercer to Samuel W. and Shirley M. Graham Dickson.
A 1971 graduate of Lakeview High School, he entered the Air Force and served until January of 1984. Mr. Dickson was a Vietnam veteran and received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the National Defense Service Medal.
He retired after 17 years of service from the State Regional Correctional Facility in Mercer, where he was a food service supervisor.
Mr. Dickson was of the Protestant faith.
He enjoyed fishing, reading, working with computers and talking on his citizen's band radio.
He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Mr. Dickson married Shirley J. Redfoot on Feb. 26, 1972. She survives.
Also surviving are: two sons, Samuel J. Dickson, on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, living with his wife Tabatha at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.; and Michael W. Dickson, currently in training at Fort Dix, N.J., with Delta Battery 229 of the Army National Guard of Grove City, waiting for deployment to Belgium; two grandsons, Samuel "Sammy" W. Dickson and Jonathan J. Dickson, both Altus; his mother; and his sister, Melcena Dickson, both Van Nuys, Calif.
Mr. Dickson was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Ave., Sharon 16146.
DICKSON
Samuel W. Jr., 49, of 541 Stone Base Road, East Lackawannock Township.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-1-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Philip H. Chalfant, pastor of Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Fairview Township, officiating.
Interment: With committal service in Delaware (Township) Cemetery.
David P. Truax
Retired lawyer was active
at Holy Trinity Lutheran
David P. Truax, 14 Franklin St., Greenville, died unexpectedly Friday, July 26, 2002, in St. Vincent Health Center, Erie, from complications after open heart surgery. He was 65.
Mr. Truax was born Aug. 15, 1936, in Jamestown, N.Y., to Paul and Genevieve Eckstrom Truax.
He was a graduate of Southwestern Central High School in Lakewood, N.Y. and of University of Buffalo, New York. He was also an alumnus of University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor.
Mr. Truax attended the U.S. Naval Officers Candidate School and the U.S. Naval Justice School, both in Newport, R.I., and then became assistant legal officer at the U.S. Naval Station in Charleston, S.C.
After serving in the Navy, he practiced law for several firms in the Pittsburgh and Meadville areas.
In 1968, Mr. Truax became the assistant district attorney of Crawford County, for which he later became chief public defender.
He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown and was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville, where he sang in the choir, played piano and served on numerous committees.
Since retiring as a lawyer, Mr. Truax and his wife, Janet, were active antique dealers and served as sextons at Holy Trinity.
He also served on the board of Greenville Area Public Library.
His wife, the former Janet L. Sowash Burt, whom he married Dec. 20, 1986, survives at home.
Also surviving are: five children, Mrs. Jeffery (Jodie) Lawman, Sharpsville; Mrs. Richard (Sherry) Costello, Canton, Ga.; Mrs. Joseph (Paula) Banco, Mercer; Erik Truax and his wife Cathy, Dacula, Ga.; and David Truax, Lawrenceville, Ga.; and seven grandchildren, Brittaney, Kristen, Colin, Kaylee, Seth, Jared and Avery.
Mr. Truax was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Neil (Burt) Eckstrom.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Penn Avenue and Clinton Street, Greenville 16125.
TRUAX
David P., 65, of 14 Franklin St., Greenville.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (7-31-02) in the library lounge of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Greenville. Condolences may be e-mailed to www.osbornefuneralhome.com
Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in the church, with the Rev. Martin M. Roth, pastor, or the Rev. Julia Fraser, associate pastor, officiating.
Inurnment: Columbarium of the church.
Arrangements by ANDREW H. OSBORNE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73 & 75 Columbia Ave., Greenville.
George Donald Barr Sr.
George Donald Barr Sr., 3308 N. Main St., Apartment 3, Sandy Lake, died at 4:50 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville, following an extended illness. He was 73.
Mr. Barr was born Dec. 30, 1928, in Mercer to Clinton Barr and Sara Morford Barr.
He most recently was employed by Mercer Gas and Water Co., for which he was a foreman for 12 years and a laborer the remainder of his working career. Mr. Barr also worked as a laborer for seven years for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
He was of the Protestant faith and served in the Merchant Marines.
His former wife, Lois Perrine Barr, survives in Mercer.
Also surviving are: a daughter, Audrey S. Ketcham, wife of Kenneth C., Sandy Lake; two sons, George Donald Barr Jr., Mercer; and David J. Barr, Sandy Lake; two sisters, Nellie Carlson, Jackson Township; and Anna Lewis, Stoneboro; a brother, Ted Barr, Fredonia; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Barr was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters and three brothers.
BARR
George Donald Sr., 73, of 3308 N. Main St., Apartment 3, Sandy Lake.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (7-30-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-31-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard Carlson, pastor of Balm United Methodist Church, Blacktown, officiating.
Interment: Mount Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.
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